Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to make an official update soon regarding Malaysia's potential return to Formula 1. However, a report by BBC Sport confirms that arrangements are in advanced stages for the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) to stage a race from October 2–4.
According to the report, Sepang is stepping in as an emergency replacement venue for the postponed Bahrain GP, with the event set to be hosted under the Bahrain Grand Prix name. The addition slots tightly between Azerbaijan and Singapore to form an autumn Asian triple-header. While local fans await official government and FIA ratification, Formula 1 management is finalizing plans to bring pinnacle motorsport back to Malaysia for the first time since 2017.
⚡ TL;DR — Sepang's Shock F1 Return Official PMX Statement: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will make an official announcement today regarding Malaysia's F1 comeback bid. Confirmed Dates: BBC & ESPN confirm the race is scheduled for October 2–4, 2026. Bahrain Replacement: Malaysia steps in to host the displaced Bahrain Grand Prix due to Middle East calendar adjustments. Asian Triple-Header: The race slots tightly between the Azerbaijan GP (Baku) and the Singapore GP. Driver Favorite: Hermann Tilke’s iconic 5.543km circuit returns to F1 after its last Grand Prix in 2017. 1. Why Sepang Is Replacing Bahrain
Ongoing regional disruptions in the Middle East forced Formula 1 management to re-evaluate its 2026 calendar options. Staging at least 21 races per season is a critical threshold for F1 to meet global broadcasting and sponsorship contracts.
Sepang emerged as the top candidate over alternative tracks like Turkey's Istanbul Park and Portugal's Portimão due to its FIA Grade 1 status, active hosting of international events like MotoGP, and strategic proximity to Singapore.
💡 Did You Know?According to the BBC, "F1 is keen to host at least 21 races, because any less than that would activate contractual clauses that could see the sport have to pay rights fees back to broadcasters and may also mean the same for teams with some sponsorship budgets." This financial threshold makes securing Sepang a crucial priority for Liberty Media.
If formally ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, the revised autumn schedule will create a grueling three-week stretch:
September 24-26: Azerbaijan Grand Prix (Baku Street Circuit)October 2–4: Formula 1 Grand Prix of Malaysia (Sepang International Circuit)October 9–11: Singapore Grand Prix (Marina Bay Street Circuit)This compressed schedule minimizes freight transfer times across Asia while keeping the 2026 championship momentum alive.
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